The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-23
AMUSEMENT MATTERS.

Lawrence Barretts appearance at the Grand
Cpera-house, last evening, despite the most in
clement weather, attracted an audience that
filled orchestra. pir and circle-an audience crit
ical, generous and apprec:ative. Not one who
braved the drenching storm that came SO mop
portunely with the appearance of darkness, had
cause to experience regret at having bid defiance
to the elements, for dramatic performances of
the character and excellence of that given by
Mr.. Barrett are SO rarely seen as to warrant I'M
usual exertions to witness. Never has
this eminent tragedian been seen to
SO good advantage, never has be
been SO we'll equipped at every point and never
has he delighted audiences to such degree as
with "Renzi." His undispu,ed claim to emf,
nence has been greatly strengthed by this, the
latest and greatest effort of his career. Dor
years Mr.. Barrett has been giving to the public
plays of high standard. and while not dis
carding the accepted tragedies still treating US
to plays of highest character. not less difficult of
successful Interpretation and none the less
worthy Of q great artists espousal Thus
Boxers dramatic triumph, Francesca da Rimi-
MI "Yorricks Love-" "Pendragon," and last and
chief among them, "Rienzi," have served to
vary the monotony of the standard tragedies,
to the delight of the people and the credit Of the
artlSC IL may De almost OlaSpnemy TO venture
the plebeian opinion, that, considered strictly
from a dramatic standpoint, leaving the literary
feature entirely to those who choose to carry the
comparison further. that "Rienzl" affords an
actor of Mr. Barretts caliber as great opportun-
ity for the display of dramatic genius and at
tanment as Hamlet or "Julius Caesar, but be
it or be it not the case, there those who are
willing to be considered uncultured enough to
are those also to whom the de-
parture is most pleasant relief
1t is one of the greatest tributes to Mr.. Barretts
genius to be able to say that he has made of all
the many new ventures he has attempted signal
trumphs and popular successes. 1t requires
talents of more than one character to attain the
success, dramatically and financially. that has
been reached by this eminent tragedian.
the play selected for last nights bill was writ
ten by Miss Milford in 1926 and deals with the
rise and fall of Rienz, the last of the Roman
tribunes. Renzi mourns the decadence of
Rome, and ranking under the despotic sway of
the. Ursinis and Colonnas, resolves to
lead the people in an attempt to
overthrow their government and establish
himself their Tribune, which he
accomplishes through his wisdom and force of
plighted TO Angelo, son of thu head of the Cor
donnas, who through love of her, is induced to
join the revolt. At the wedding feast which fol-
lows the establishment of the government
reasonable attempt is made upon Rienz's life,
which Is unsuccessful, and the leaders pardoned
after swearing future allegiance to Rome and
the Tribune. Discovery of a subsequent scheme
to overthrow and assassinate Rienzi. in which
Angelo joins the revolutonists, results in
another defeat and the sentencing of the perjured
| leader to instant death. Rienzi, mindful of the
| anguish Angeles death would cause his daughter,
sends for him his way to the glbbett and
| pleads eloquently. but vainly. for the youth to
| renew his allegiance to Rome. and become his
| successor as Tribune. But his pleadlngs being
scornfully rejected. Angelo is beheaded. Claudia
comes to plead with her father for her hus-
bands pardon. but is moment too late to be
/ successful The death of Angelo and the in
| trigues of others had meantime caused the peo-
| pie to join the barons in another war on Renzi,
and, led by Angeles mother. they rush in and
/ murder him in the presence of his daughter
/ The tragedy is produced with the most scrupu-
lous attention to auxiliary effects. and is
scarcely less excellent for the stage
management displayed than for the in
The effects produced by the groupings
at the proper climaxes are such to do credit
to an artist, the costuming brilliant and appro-
/ prate. and the supernumerary force fully ade-
| qua.e. The many admirers Of the star and in
this city their name is legion, were more than
strengthened In their previously formed good
opinion of his capabilities for never has he
acted with greater force or better effect nor in
play better suited to the public taste, than he
did last night Miss Minnie Gale was delight
fully tender and ingenious Claudia, and fit
tingly supplemented Mr.. Barrett's work. Mr..
| Charles Weles, as Angelo, did excellentiy, barr
q
final scene with Rienzi. and the other members
of the supporting company, among them Miss
Minnie Monk. Miss OLeary, and Mr. Ben Rog-
ers. who deserve particular mention. are equal
to the parts assigned them. "Renzi' will be
given again at the matinee this afternoon and
this evening.
ENGLIsHs-HIcKs 8 sAwYERs MINsTRELs.
Hicks & Sawyer's colored Ministries appeared
at Enalishs, last night. and gave fairly good
performance, which created much laughter
The company has no noted performers bu1
those who are with it are good dancers. and al
least two of them, Charles Pope and Harry
Elton, good singers. The first part was good 81
far as the singing is concerned. and there were
number of entertaining specialtIes. The com
pany will appear again this afternoon and even
ing at popular prices.
NOTES.
The Booth sale will begin at the box-office Of
Enelish's Monday morning, at o'clock. and al
ready a number of enterprisng citizens hav,
employed men to stand in line all night in III,
lobby, SO as to GET good places at the opening o
the sale From present indications the demand
Will be very great. for tho performance will be